Nothing screams elegance and class as much electric gates do. Installing one on your property can not only make your place feel more luxurious but also give your property some added security, as you will be able to prevent intruders from entering. The total cost of installing an electric gate for your driveway can be anywhere between $1,950 to $7,700. If you've noticed that the electric gate you've installed simply doesn't open or close quickly enough for your liking, here are three things you can do about it.

Upgrade to High-Speed Slider

The speed that the electric gate is opening at may already be determined by the electric opener or the electric slider. If you purchased a standard electric gate set from a contractor or at a store, you likely have a fixed speed slider and opener. This means that the electric gate can only operate at a pre-determined set speed. There is no room for customization, and there's nothing you can do about that. The only option you have is to upgrade to a high-speed slider and opener. A high-speed slider and opener will give you more options to choose from in terms of how quickly the gate opens.

In addition, a high-speed slider will usually ramp up the speed at which the gate is opening over a certain period of time rather than instantly. This will make it appear as if the gate is opening much more smoothly without any abrupt stops or movements.

Install Sensors on the Roadway Leading Up to the Driveway

If you don't want to upgrade to a high-speed slider and would like to work with what you've already installed, you can see whether you can install sensors on the roadway leading up to the driveway. These sensors need to be able to detect the key or remote in your car to send to the gate-opening system. This will prompt the electric gate to open when you aren't even near the gate yet. By the time that you reach the gate, the gate should either be fully opened or almost completely open.

Installing sensors on the roadway may take some planning. You'll need to determine where these sensors need to be installed in order to accurately detect the presence of your car. Keep in mind that the sensor's range of detection also needs to be examined—especially in rainy or snowy weather. You also need to determine where the sensors need to be installed in order for the gate to be open by the time that you reach it. In general, you should time things so that the gate will have just opened when you arrive.

Switch to an Electric Gate that Swings Inward into the Property

The type of electric gate design that you choose can also make an impact on the perceived rate at which the gate opens and closes. In general, if you find that the gate is opening too slowly when you're trying to pull into your home, you should choose an electric gate that swings inward into the property. Even if the gate slider functions at a set speed, a gate that swings inward will allow you to get onto the property before a sliding gate can.

This is because you can start to roll onto the property as the gate opens. With a sliding gate, you have to wait until the gate completely opens before you can even start to move your car.

Conclusion

You can make different customizations and changes to the electric gate on your driveway. Before you install the gate, you should consider the length of time that it takes to open and close. By doing this, you'll know whether any adjustments need to be made to your electric gate during the installation.